CHELSEA strengthened their place in the top four and moved to within a point of third- placed Tottenham courtesy of a 2-1 victory over struggling Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Willian got the winner with an exquisite second-half curler after Ciaran Clark’s bullet header had cancelled out Pedro’s delightful early lob.

For long periods Maurizio Sarri’s side struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chanc- es, but they slowly found their rhythm to deservedly pick up a fifth win in seven league outings and move six points clear of fifth-placed Arsenal.

Newcastle had a good spell towards the end of the first peri- od when they levelled, but could not contend with the hosts once they moved up a gear in the sec- ond half.

The Magpies are now in the relegation zone in 18th place and have won just once in their last nine league matches.

Next, Chelsea visit Arsenal on Saturday in what could be a key clash in the battle to finish in the top four, while Newcastle face an FA Cup third round replay at Blackburn in midweek before hosting Cardiff in a showdown between two of the league’s strugglers. - Eurosport